What factor japan avoid becoming a colony of a european power

Few in Europe or America believed the Japanese could actually build a world class army or navy and Japan's attempts to modernize were not taken as seriously as they should have been. 

The Japanese also sent its best and most intelligent people to America and Europe to learn as much as they could on military technologies and strategies.

12 days because 1/4 is 25% of 100 if 100 is equal to 1 pound then multiply 3 by 4 which equals 12